Serra da Estrela Mature PDO Cheese is characterized by a more intense flavor, less buttery texture and orange/brown color.

The Serra da Estrela Mature PDO Cheese has a production process that is the same as the other cheese, the big difference is the result of prolonged maturation, at least 120 days.

The color is from the crust coating, made with olive oil and paprika and is optional.

Coloring develops from the edge towards the center.

The cheese spread is semi-hard, the extra-hard cheese is slightly crumbly and dry and less buttery than the other cheese’s dough.

The flavor of mature cheese is stronger, more intense and slightly spicy and/or salty.

The Serra da Estrela Mature PDO Cheese, to have this designation, has to fulfill a series of criteria related, among others, to the ingredients and their origin and the production process.